I zipped my ski jacket right up to my chin, blocking out the bite of the early-morning cold. It was 7am, still dark, and the hum of excited chatter filled the air as the La Masse gondola whirred into life in Les Menuires, France. I was about to spend the day with the 3 Valleys Mountain Rescue Ski Patrol.
Instantly recognisable in their Helly Hansen red jackets, the Ski Patrol are the beating heart of one of the largest ski areas in the world. Skiing and snowboarding may look effortless, but they are extreme sports played out in an unpredictable alpine environment. These are the people working quietly, relentlessly, behind the scenes to keep everyone safe.
The scale of their work is staggering. In the Les Menuires sector alone, the patrol carries out up to 1,400 rescues per season. In just one week in April 2022, there were 94 rescues, including 11 collisions. This is not guesswork or luck — it’s training, discipline, and preparation.
We reached the summit before the lifts officially opened, just as the sun crept over the horizon. From this breath-taking vantage point sits one of the rescue stations, strategically positioned for rapid access across the slopes. The stillness was surreal.
Then we skied.
Being the only tracks on the mountain felt almost sacred. Long, flowing blue runs stretched endlessly below us, quiet and untouched. No lift queues. No traffic. Just movement, rhythm, and a deep sense of connection with the mountains. It was unforgettable.
Ski Patrol or Paw Patrol?
After a hearty mountain breakfast, we joined avalanche rescue drills — alongside some of the most important members of the team: the dogs.
As part of the exercise, a fellow journalist and I crawled into a pre-dug snow chamber before the entrance was sealed. Inside, we waited in silence, gripping a fabric marker for the dogs to locate. It was unsettling. In those moments, the reality of avalanche burial hit hard — and just how vital airbags and air pockets can be when minutes mean life or death.
Within minutes, we heard scratching. Light broke through. A four-legged rescuer burst in and dragged us back to daylight.
RECCO and Avalanche Transceivers
We also saw demonstrations of RECCO technology, used in brands like Helly Hansen, where passive sensors embedded in clothing can be detected — especially effective when scanned from helicopters.
Even more critical, however, are avalanche transceivers — essential kit for anyone venturing off-piste. Worn as a transmitter and used as a receiver during a rescue, they allow buried skiers to be located quickly when every second counts. In an avalanche, minutes can mean the difference between survival and tragedy. These devices quite literally save lives — but only if you know how to use them. Proper training is just as vital as the equipment itself.
Later, I spoke with a patroller about their kit. Helly Hansen doesn’t just supply ski clothing for the general market — they design custom mountain rescue gear, built to withstand relentless alpine conditions.
The Ski Patrol’s Secret Weapon: DJI Drones!
The final stop was the patrol’s newest secret weapon: drones. Les 3 Vallées is the first resort in the world to deploy advanced DJI technology. From monitoring pistes and off-piste areas to assessing rock fall and avalanche risk, the capability was jaw-dropping. AI tracking could identify groups, monitor movement, and flag individuals struggling or falling behind — all in real time.
The control room felt straight out of the hit series 24. One wall. Total immersion.
Technology is transforming mountain safety — but it can never replace the dedication of the patrollers and their dogs on the ground.
For those curious, Montagnette Immersive 2.0 offers a behind-the-scenes look at patrol life through 360° projection, exploring prevention, slope management, and avalanche safety.
Final Thoughts
And while we admire their work, none of us want to meet them professionally. Les Menuires’ six golden rules say it best:
- Helmets are essential
- Ski at a controllable speed
- Stop safely at the side of the slope
- Check before changing direction
- Après-ski is not on the pistes
- Off-piste is best done with a professional
10 February 2026 is International Ski Patrol Day — a moment to recognise the people who quietly make the mountains safer for us all – Find out more on the Helly Hansen site by clicking here
